Updated June 18, 2025
Packback Questions is an online discussion platform geared towards awakening and fueling relentless curiosity in every student. Supported by AI, this online discussion platform is designed to improve student curiosity, communication skills, and critical thinking. By connecting your Packback “community” to your Canvas course, you will be able to pass grades back to Canvas, and even link Packback questions directly into your Assignments using the “Deep-Linking” feature (Deep-Linked Assignments will be enabled at St. John’s effective July 8, 2025).
How do I add Packback to my Course?
Open your course in Canvas.
In Course Navigation, select Settings, then select the Navigation tab.
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Scroll down until you find the “Packback” tool, click the three dots, and select enable.
Alternatively, click and drag the tool into the list of Enabled navigation items.
Scroll to the bottom of the page and click Save.
You should now see the Packback tool in your Course Navigation menu. Upon clicking it, Packback will launch in a new tab in your browser.
How do I enable Gradebook Sync?
If you are hoping to have Packback sync to the gradebook built within Canvas for LTI 1.3, here are the step-by-step instructions for how to accomplish that!
Click on "Gradebook Sync" in Packback underneath Professor Tools
Confirm your deadlines and posting requirements
Turn on Gradebook Sync
Gradebook Sync is now active and you can proceed to create your assignments! For more information on the Gradebook Sync settings, see the “LMS and Gradebook Sync Setup Guide” from Packback Support, linked in the Instructor Support section below.
How do I get support for this LTI if I need help?
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Instructors
For assistance with enabling the LTI in your Canvas course, you may reach out to St. John’s IT Support at 718-990-5000 or https://ithelp.stjohns.edu. For all other questions regarding Packback, please reach out to Packback Support (Help Request form linked).
How do I connect my Packback community to my Canvas course? - SJU IT Help Article
How do I enable a Deep-Linked Assignment in my Canvas course? - SJU IT Help Article
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Packback Educator Support Home Page - There are many guides and articles located on this page; a few are highlighted below.
LMS and Gradebook Sync Setup Guide for Canvas 1.3 - Packback Support Article
Gradebook Sync Set Up Best Practices & How to Avoid Common Errors - Packback Support Article
Introduction to Discussion Assignments for Instructors - Packback Support Article
Setting Up and Managing Your Deep Dives Assignments - Packback Support Article
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Students
For assistance with using the Packback application, please reach out to Packback Support (Help Request form linked).
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Packback Student Support Home Page - There are many guides and articles located on this page; a few are highlighted below.
How do I connect my Packback grade to my course’s grade book in Canvas (LTI 1.3 Integrations) - Packback Support Article
How do I purchase access to Packback? - Packback Support Article